Electric Vehicle News and Reviews (Page 246)

Electric Vehicle News and Reviews

Electric vehicles (EVs) have come a long way in a short time. Barely a decade has passed since the ambitious Silicon Valley startup Tesla Motors introduced the world to an electric car capable of traveling more than 300 miles on a single charge. Since then, Elon Musk and Tesla have convinced many dubious onlookers that electric vehicles are not only here to stay, but that they can become the future of transportation.

Other automakers have joined the EV movement at very different rates. The Nissan Leaf, for example, debuted in 2010 and went on to become the best-selling all-electric vehicle in the world for a time. Competition from the BMW i3 followed, as well as the plug-in hybrid Chevy Volt and its all-electric successor the Chevy Bolt EV, but only the Tesla Model 3 has been able to steal the Leaf's crown. Heading into a new decade, electric vehicles are set to go from strength-to-strength, with new models like the Hyundai Kona Electric and Kia Niro EV competing in the entry-level category and the Audi e-Tron, Porsche Taycan, or Jaguar I-PACE vying with Tesla at the top end of the market.

With entire classes of vehicle still lacking an electric version, such as pick-up trucks and affordable SUVs, there's huge potential for expansion and growth in the EV marketplace. For now, Tesla is still blazing the trail, but legacy manufacturers are lining up to electrify their fleets and promising startups like Rivian and Byton are waiting in the wings with exciting new electric vehicles.

The future is bright for EVs and you can keep up to date with all the latest stories right here on Torque News.

Tesla Model 3 Takes to Interstate via Tesla Media

Wall Street’s UBS Says Model 3 Great Car but $35,000 Base Version Will be a Money Loser

By Al Castro on August 20, 2018 - 6:30AM

UBS takes a look at Tesla Model 3 to make a tear down assessment of its latest product to find lots of things to be impressed about the car except for the profit margin of the proposed $35,000 Single Battery Pack/Motor RWD Base Model 3 Sedan.

Elon Musk with Tesla Model S in Fremont Tesla Factory

Is the End of the Musk Era at Tesla Looming? As Debt Crisis Mounts, Drugs and Tears Admissions Make Tesla Stock Dive

By Al Castro on August 17, 2018 - 8:12PM

It ain’t easy being a multi billionaire running a Fortune 500 company with a $1 billion USD debt payment looming in March. But the market sent a message today: wipe your tears rich boy and do your job: people’s lives and working class jobs are on the line.

Tesla Model S Battery Charging at Supercharger

The Worldwide Car Battery Shortage and is Your New Car Order Affected?

By Al Castro on August 17, 2018 - 7:37AM

With the growing rapid output of worldwide EV production, the glaring reality of supply and demand becomes more obvious as to which key players in the auto industry are prepared for battery shortages and which ones are not. Regardless, if the company you buy a BEV from is not one of “the big three,” you should expect you car order to be delayed because of battery shortages by the factory.

Conversion Shop Does Neat Tesla-Audi Change

By Marc Stern on August 15, 2018 - 2:59PM

At one time about 750 years ago, a bunch of guys called alchemists tried to turn lead into gold. That they didn't know anything about periodic tables and metals related to lead didn't deter them as they were convinced they could do it. It's too bad they didn't know, they would have saved lots of time. Today's conversions in the auto world work a lot better as this Tesla-Audi Swap. Read On.

Tesla Model 3 Courtesy Tesla Medía Website

A New Battery Design May Mean a Sooner or Surer $35,000 Single Base Model 3

By Al Castro on August 15, 2018 - 9:39AM

Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently revealed that Tesla’s battery development people have come up with a lighter weight and cheaper design of the Model 3 battery pack. This can be a game changer not only for the elusive Base Model 3, but across the entire present and future model range.

"Funding Secured" Means the Saudis Want In: the Tesla Buyout May be the Largest in History

By Al Castro on August 15, 2018 - 6:17AM

The Tesla news blindsided and shocked the world. A stock exchange wasn’t notified, neither was the Securities Exchange Commission. Not even the board of directors of the company that was affected by the news. Stock prices went crazy, its stock was eventually suspended, everyone who’s anyone about billions denied they were asked to help, and a moment of explanation finally came: Elon Musk wants Tesla to go private, he wants an equity leveraged buyout, and he wants the Saudis to finance it.

EV1 Wasn't Destroyed, GM Needed Time and Lessons Went to Volt

By Armen Hareyan on August 14, 2018 - 11:23AM

Many people think GM destroyed the EV1, but apparently it was never meant for sale. Here is what happened in reality.

Instagram Rendering NexGen Model S, Model 3 Cabin Like Model S, Safety Cage Model S

Another Instagram Artist Strikes Again for Us to Contemplate What Changes Should Come on Model S

By Al Castro on August 9, 2018 - 8:27PM

Like it was a few weeks ago when a Spanish designer took to Instagram to show his render of a proposed Tesla Semi 8 RV Camper, another artist has given us his vision of what a Tesla Model S next generation might look like with the present generation before its retirement sometime in 2021.

Taxpayers subsidize America's top-selling luxury car, the Model 3 from Tesla.

America Now Provides Taxpayer Subsidies To Wealthy Buyers Of the Most Popular Luxury Car Sold In the Country, The Tesla Model 3

By John Goreham on August 9, 2018 - 11:49AM

A funny fact has emerged now that the Tesla Model 3 is America's top-selling luxury car. Taxpayers are subsidizing the price of the car regardless of the buyer's wealth.

IIHS compares Tesla's Autopilot to competitors' systems

IIHS Compares Tesla's Driver Automation To BMW's, Mercedes', & Volvo's - How'd Tesla Do?

By John Goreham on August 7, 2018 - 4:15PM

IIHS has completed an initial study of Tesla's Autopilot and level 2 driver automation systems. Here's how Tesla compared.

Did Elon Musk really say Tesla might go private?

Trading of Tesla Stock Halted After Apparent Tweet From Musk About Taking Tesla Private - No Word From Musk Confirming or Denying Validity

By John Goreham on August 7, 2018 - 2:42PM

After tweets appeared on Elon Musk's twitter account about possibly taking the company private, confusion ensues. Trading halted.

e.Home e-Camper exterior, truck cab by Iveco

e.Home Offers an e-Solution to Long Term Off-Grid Camping: Solar Electric

By Al Castro on August 6, 2018 - 2:04AM

We continue our series of reports on EV camping, an industry taking off like wildfire in both the retirement and surprisingly Millennial demographics. In this story I will address the challenges of what EV campers face once they get to their camp site.

Harley Davidson Electric Motorcycle - Large 1200x900

Harley Davidson Caves to Millennials with EV Motorcycles

By Al Castro on August 3, 2018 - 11:05AM

Finding themselves in the same situation they were ironically in back in the 1970’s facing record loses toward bankruptcy, Harley Davidson, the storied motorcycle company had to swallow some bitter reality medicine and face up to changing times with a younger generation that the company turned off with motorcycles their fathers rode, and their Millennial sons (and daughters) never liked. And now here comes the Harley Davidson electric motorcycle.

Nissan NV Electric Camper (top) and VW Buzz ID Bus (bottom)

Limited EV Camper Market Options Makes Tesla Create a Camper Mode for its Cars

By Al Castro on August 2, 2018 - 10:24AM

With all the fast paced changes occurring in the EV world from a Tented Model 3 to a Class 8 Mighty Tesla Semi RV Camper coached by Instagram, has unfortunately left EVers with an inescapable reality: this summer they’re left short handed with few camping vehicle options. What’s presently selling they’re not selling them here in the states. And Teslarites are taking the matter into their own hands.

Prius Prime continues to be top-selling affordable electric vehicle.

Toyota Prius Prime Solidifies Lead In Affordable U.S. EV Sales With Impressive Staying Power

By John Goreham on August 1, 2018 - 1:31PM

The Toyota Prius Prime continues to out-sell every other affordable EV. However, its steady domination in the affordable EV class is overshadowed by Tesla's Model 3 sales news.

Tesla Model 3 deliveries double in July.

Tesla Model 3 Deliveries Leap Ahead In July Offering New Hope For Fans and Reservation Holders

By John Goreham on August 1, 2018 - 1:02PM

Tesla Model 3 deliveries more than double after two months at the same level.

Honda Urban EV front side view 1200x900 size

Deciding Factors Whether Honda's New Urban EV Will Win People's Hearts

By Dom Kabas on July 31, 2018 - 12:01PM

Despite Tesla being busy sorting out their Model 3 production issues, electrified vehicle sales figures, especially driven by plug-in market, keep setting consecutive records in U.S. This month Honda Motors announced Honda Urban EV Concept was named ‘The Best Concept Car’ in the 2018 Car Design Award honors, as part of the Turin Motor Show. Honda might have a trick up its sleeve - Urban EV Concept is stylish and may become an EV people would actually want to buy.

Second Toyota Zero Emissions Semi Enters Service In LA

By John Goreham on July 30, 2018 - 8:52PM

One of the dirtiest types of vehicle operations is drayage. Here's how Toyota's zero-emissions semis are making a difference.

Mystery Device Can Unlock and Start Your Car: Secure Your Car

By Al Castro on July 30, 2018 - 8:23AM

Electronic key fob identity theft is becoming a real security concern for a number of car drivers. Beware of this and secure your car key fob to prevent break-in and GTA.

Porsche Hits a Few Cones Readying up Taycan Production

By Al Castro on July 30, 2018 - 8:21AM

The first all electric Porsche since 1897 is having ramp up production issues but so far Taycan is on schedule with an assembly line timeline of 2019. Taycan will be Porsche’s first production all electric car and the second electric Porsche ever made, since the sports car company founder Ferdinand Porsche built the last one himself, the P1 which was the first Porsche ever built.

With Polestar 2 the “Model 3 Killer” it Begs to Ask What Kind of Brand is Polestar and Can’t this Just be a Volvo?

By Al Castro on July 26, 2018 - 11:42PM

Polestar unveils it’s second model, this time instead of a coupe it’s a sedan in the same segment as Tesla Model 3 with specs to take it on, but wonder if it matches the corporate objective of a performance brand.

Tesla Stock Comparison To GM, Ford, Toyota, Honda 1 Year After Model 3 Arrived

By John Goreham on July 26, 2018 - 5:19PM

Tesla delivered the first Model 3 cars to owners one business year ago today. Here's how Tesla stock has done in that year compared to the market and compared to Tesla's peers.

2019 Subaru Crosstrek, plug-in-hybrid, new Subaru EV

Subaru Has One Glaring Hole; How They Will Tap Toyota To Fill It

By Denis Flierl on July 25, 2018 - 8:39AM

Subaru has one glaring hole in their lineup. See how they will tap Toyota Motor to fill it.

char.gy's CEO Founder Shares The Secrets of Future EV Charging with Torque News

By Al Castro on July 24, 2018 - 10:58PM

Electric car ownership will remain a charging station sticking point for urban and apartment dwellers, as fingerpointing tries to blame who is responsible for setting up public and fast charging stations across the US. In the UK, local governments are requiring the installation of open access points for public charging. This is the kind of charging where a payment method is not required on demand at site. A UK EV charging company called char.gy is about to change all of this on both sides of the big lake.

Tesla Lookback - One Year Since Model 3 Launched What Has Changed For the Better & the Worse

By John Goreham on July 23, 2018 - 6:16PM

The first Tesla Model 3 cars were delivered a year ago. We look back at Tesla's year including stock performance, business volume, Model 3 launch, and much more.

If Tesla Does These Things It Can Probably Lower The Price of Model 3

By Armen Hareyan on July 23, 2018 - 4:38PM

Many people start realizing that the 35,000 Model 3 was just a good promo from Tesla. We haven't seen the Model 3 at that price point and people are wondering if this was somewhat misleading. But let's be proactive. What can Tesla do to offer a Model 3 at 35,000 dollar price point?

The Microlino Gives New Micro to Word Micro While in the Footsteps of Isetta

By Al Castro on July 23, 2018 - 3:10PM

From the Swiss makers of the Micro Kickboard Scooter that’s either been terrorizing or taking 80 countries by storm, comes this: the ultra tiny Italian built Microlino micro EV car. It goes into production and they’re taking orders about now, deliveries to be taken sometime next year. Loosely based on and perhaps inspired by the mid-last century BMW Isetta, it takes the whole concept of “bubble cars” or microcars to another level started by SmartforTwo.

For Safety and Security an Armored Tesla Model S Is The Way To Go

By Al Castro on July 22, 2018 - 8:16PM

International Armoring is offering an aftermarket armored anti ballistic and bioweapon package for the Tesla Model S, in different levels of protection. A good armored vehicle needs to do two things: protect, and look stock. This package seems to do both.

Fur Flying at VW as the U.S., Wolfsburg Square Off on I.D. Family Production

By Marc Stern on July 22, 2018 - 5:09PM

Though it is not known officially whether the feathers are flying at VW over the new I.D. family of cars, one can infer it by looking at the statements of Hinrich Woebcken, chief of VW of America, and someone at Wolfsburg who made a statement contrary to the U.S. chief.

Why Marchionne Had To Go Anyway Despite Illness: The Era of Jeep Begins

By Al Castro on July 22, 2018 - 1:45AM

Let me start off at bat: Don Marchionne is a great man. Period. I didn’t agree with him with his paltry 5 year electrification plan for FCA Group, but with his expedited departure, we can now look back with definitive successes and failures. This is how the Era of Sergio Marchionne came to an end, and the Era of Jeep begins as the dominant force in the car industry, perhaps to equal that of Goliath General Motors, now that Jeep takes the world stage.

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